Indian women’s hockey team (Photo by @TheHockeyIndia)
New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team finished second in the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers after losing 0-2 to England on Saturday. Despite the defeat, India still secured qualification for this year’s Women’s Hockey World Cup.
England, ranked sixth in the world, showed their quality by scoring one goal in the first quarter and again in the third quarter.India started the match strongly and created an early opportunity when Navneet Kaur conceded a corner kick within the first two minutes. But the attempt was blocked by the England goalkeeper. The Indian team continued to push forward in the first half and managed to penetrate several circles, but was unable to seriously trouble the opposition goalkeeper.
England gradually settled into the game and took the lead in the 13th minute through Grace Balsdon, who converted a penalty kick with a quick flick. India continued its attempts to penetrate the English defense, but England maintained its discipline and organization in defense, and maintained a one-goal lead before the end of the first half.With this advantage, England controlled the ball in the second half and controlled the pace of the match.
Their second goal came in the 43rd minute when Elizabeth Neal shot from open play. Her shot deflected off an Indian defender before going past goalkeeper Bichu Devi, doubling England’s lead.India continued to attack in the final quarter and were even awarded a late penalty, but were unable to convert. England remained confident and avoided sitting back defensively, preventing India from making a comeback.Along with champions England and runners-up India, Scotland also qualified for the World Cup after beating Italy 1-0. The Netherlands and Belgium will host the Women’s Hockey World Cup from August 14-30 alongside the men’s tournament.
